UEFA Champions League: Union Berlin vs Real Madrid Live
Preview
Real Madrid will aim to complete a flawless Champions League group stage as they travel to Germany to face Union Berlin on Tuesday. Los Blancos have already secured the top spot in Group C, while Union Berlin are currently at the bottom of the group. The hosts need to defeat Carlo Ancelotti’s team and rely on Braga losing to Napoli in order to secure third place, which would guarantee them a spot in the Europa League knockout round playoffs.
Nenad Bjelica has had a successful start as the head coach of Union Berlin. Since taking over at the end of November, the 52-year-old has led the team to one win and one draw. Their recent 3-1 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga was their first win since August, moving them to 15th place in the table with 10 points.
In the Champions League, Union Berlin earned a point in a 1-1 draw against Braga, keeping their hopes alive for finishing third in their group. If Union Berlin beats Real Madrid and Braga loses to Napoli, they could secure a spot in the Europa League. Despite finishing fourth in the Bundesliga last season and qualifying for the Champions League group stage, Union Berlin has struggled in the top table, earning only two points from five matches and currently sitting at the bottom of their group.
Real Madrid secured their fifth consecutive victory in the Champions League this season with a 4-2 win over Napoli at Bernabeu on November 29, ensuring their advancement to the knockout stage as group winners. Despite their impressive performance in the competition, they narrowly defeated Union Berlin in the previous match at Bernabeu on September 20, with Jude Bellingham scoring the winning goal in the 90th minute.
Real Madrid’s recent 1-1 draw with Real Betis in La Liga has left them at the top of the table with 39 points, and they have two more league games against Villarreal and Alaves before the winter break. The team is aiming to win all six of their group stage matches in the Champions League for the third time, and they are the most successful team in the competition’s history, having lifted the trophy 14 times, most recently in 2021-22.
Real Madrid has lost eight of their last 25 Champions League away matches, including four defeats in their last 11. With their place in the next round already secured, their upcoming match could be very intriguing, as Union Berlin will be eager to secure a win.
Head-to-head
Real Madrid won their most recent and only encounter earlier this season by a goal to nil.
Prediction
Union Berlin’s recent performances have likely boosted their confidence, and they will be optimistic about their chances of achieving a favorable outcome on Tuesday. Although Real Madrid may not have all their key players available, we still anticipate that Ancelotti’s team will secure a victory and maintain their perfect record with six wins out of six in the group.
